Opinion: Raising a generation of conscious Young Africans

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What a time to be an African in Africa. Or rather let me emphasise ,what a time to be an African in South Africa. I hope that I am not too late however, I have come in peace to share perspective on an awakening. Or rather just a confirmation that indeed this is the time to leverage on the creative economy.

So, the month of August engendered hope for South Africa. August has to some extent realigned new perspectives in the arena of business, opportunities and trade. With that said, South Africa hosted the 15th BRICS summit and indeed it was something beautiful to witness.

The international relations conference by the heads of state of government from the member states Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The theme BRICS and Africa; Partnership for growth, Development and Inclusive Multilateralism were explored.

I personally uncovered my awakening in the business forum with the entrepreneurs and my mind shifted. By the way, I was live streaming in the comfort of my home when this awakening was taking place.

Let me start by emphasising how refreshing it is to hear from entrepreneurs and now in this context entrepreneurs across the African continent. To hear about the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in entrepreneurship especially in the arena of trade is eye-opening.

This is because entrepreneurship plays a critical role in economic growth. Entrepreneurship is the driving force in job creation. Entrepreneurs are the drivers of innovation and play a vital role in developing new markets. Entrepreneurs are also the catalysts of generating new wealth and enhancing productivity.  What better way to witness a panel of business owners deliberate on their challenges.

I won’t delve deeper into the discussion however; I will underline a very salient point that was made by one of the members of the panel.

A focal term that was making rounds was that of the importance of the creative economy. We cannot neglect the contribution that the creative economy has in enabling evolution of the economy. The potential of creating harnesses development and industry products that reach global audiences.

The creative economy promotes innovation and breakthroughs in technological advancement. Creative economies add value to society and facilitate cultural engagements. Creative economies have a way of finding solutions in society.

According to Bogachev at Forbes Technology Council 2023, “the creative economy is estimated to be worth $985 billion with no signs of slowing down. G20 Insights predicts that the creative economy could account for 10% of global GDP by 2023 and Deloitte believes we will see up to 40% growth in the creative sectors by 2030”.

Make room for creatives please, this is their time. If these figures don’t shake you, I frankly don’t know what will happen at this point.

Africans let’s gather here and take this closer to home for just a second.

What were we taught by our lineages? Did our grandparents not tell stories to us gathered around the fire? Did we not sell sweet and savoury delicacies made by our grandmothers in the markets? Were we not taught to sew our own clothing by our grandmothers? Did our grandfathers not teach us how to paint or arts and crafts? Were we not raised by songs that enhanced our rhythm and beat?

We are natural creators, artists, storytellers, actors, producers, filmmakers, musicians and more. More than anything, the creative spirit is in us and has always been a part of us.

Now, that I have commanded your attention, humour me by leveraging on this creative economy young people. Create, expand and leverage on this sector. I believe the BRICS heads of state touched the soil to remind Africans what they are truly capable of in their land.

Now, go and create. We need more Wode Maya’s, Miss Trudy,Tayo’s, Stella’s and many more demonstrating how honouring their craft is making an impact in Africa.

For administrative purposes, we need more young people sitting on those panels in the next summit. We need a panel of content creators travelling the African continent and we need more people on the panel wearing African brands if we are going to be putting trade on the table again.

Africa, your time is now. Young people, the time is now.

The Gateway link; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkGnC0OiRJ0&t=20s   

Please be on the lookout for the full report on my Ghana trip.

Read Africa. Write about Africa. Put Africa first!

The hashtag to follow is #africabelongstoUS , #amplifyingvoices and #authenticstories.

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